This buyer's guide to seven major types of statistics software packages for microcomputers reviews Edu-Ware Statistics 3.0; Financial Planning; Speed Stat; Statistics with DAISY; Human Systems Dynamics package of Stats Plus, ANOVA II, and REGRESS II; Maxistat; and Moore-Barnes' MBC Test Construction and MBC Correlation. (MBR)

Discusses the selection and purchase of microcomputer software, recommending that buyers beware of free or undemonstrated software, buy computer programs written in assembly language, and evaluate the company as well as the software. A software evaluation checklist is included. (JJD)

Outlines the major questions which should be considered by an individual purchasing commercially packaged software for use on a personal computer. (JL)

Considerations to be taken into account before buying a home computer include one's attitude toward computers, need, cost, and available space. A personal computer can be beneficial as a tutor, entertainer, record-keeper, and aid to the handicapped. Home economists must attempt to understand the implications of home computers for family life. (JOW)

Beginning on the cover, this article suggests school administrators can reduce paperwork burdens by using personal computers along with general software programs. Describes general programs--such as word processing, item bank, electronic worksheet, and database management programs--and discusses their applications and gives tips for buying and…

Discusses the various factors involved in the selection of a satisfactory and flexible microcomputer system, with emphasis on the limited technological sophistication of current models produced by Apple, Radio Shack, and others. Disk operating systems, questions of intersystem compatibility, and the future of microprocessor chip technology are…

Recounts some of the problems encountered in the use of an Osborne-1 microcomputer for personal purposes by a computing veteran, describes some of the shortcomings of the sales system for microcomputers as it presently exists, and makes some conjectures concerning the impact of those shortcomings on the personal computer industry. (JL)

Describes floppy disk information storage systems and discusses capabilities and advantages of floppy disks for microcomputer users. The functions of disk operating systems (DOS) are reviewed and the effect of DOS formats on the choice of an appropriate disk drive system is outlined. (JL)

Continued from the front cover, this article offers suggestions about selecting and purchasing microcomputers and software for schools. (WD)

The importance of user needs and computer software is stressed in a series of questions designed to aid in the selection and evaluation of computer systems for use in schools. (JJD)

Documentation of author's personal experience in the purchasing of a microcomputer discusses background learning, the purchase decision, needs assessment, computer literacy, general information on microcomputers, the situation assessment, and the final check. (EJS)

Teachers should integrate computer use into their classes in the same way they integrate basic skills regardless of the subject being taught. All teachers are obliged to be competent in best deciding how computers can be used in their classes. (JOW)

This discussion of microcomputer selection for schools presents three hypothetical plans--ranging from $500 to $15,000--for establishing an educational computing program and examines the best way to budget the money. Purchasing information on a variety of microcomputers is included. (JJD)

Offers suggestions about using microcomputers for school administration and lists hidden costs of computerization, including administrator time, consultants, machine maintenance, backup systems, appropriate furniture, insurance, and staff training. (JM)

Seven factors that currently affect the potential for marketing and publishing computer software for education are discussed: (1) computers as an inplace technology in education, (2) marketing and distribution patterns for software, (3) consumer demand, (4) quality, (5) timelessenss, (6) basic skills, and (7) the future. The proliferation of…